Repentance, The Doctrine of (part 2)

I'm still in the tale end of chapter 3 heading into chapter 4. I'm reading about confession's place in repentance. Here is my first thought toward this passage, with many more following:

Confession is a true friend's task

Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. Proverbs 27:9

I have had several good friends. People I just enjoy being around. People that laugh at my stupid jokes, and understand my unique way of venting conflicts. They just like the way I currently am and are patient with me while I become like Him. I bet you, dear reader, have had some of these relationships, too. Life giving, soul refreshing, breaths of life. Cling to these guys and be close so sin won't be. My point: a good friendship will have the elements of light so deeply ingrained in it that there is no shadow in which to hide. Confession will be a part of living life in community with men you trust and love. Page 37 drills this idea home.

Back to the Book
"They who will not confess their sin as David did, that they may be pardoned, shall confess their sin as Achan did, that they may be stoned." (pg. 32) I think this is what will happen on the last day during that "Every knee shall bow..." celebration. Honestly, in my misunderstanding, I always wondered how someone could confess Christ then be sentenced to eternity in Hell. The root of my failed logic lies in my thinking of salvation as a recipe: 2 parts "Jesus is Lord", 2 parts "Jesus is savior" and presto... Christian Lasagna. Watson, I think, is attacking this simplistic view of salvation as well. Not that its complicated, but it is. Make sense? Oh Jesus, help us...

Sin
Katie, like Eve, is responsible for all my failings...Sorry, babe.
In my mind, I extenuate my sins.
I blame shift, mainly towards God.
And I'm a damn good complainer!
I don't speak
My eyes often darken my soul.
I need the light and confession helps it shine through.

I love Watson's usage of gross similes. Confession is like: lancing an abscess, letting out bad blood from a vein, and opening a dung gate.

Confession of sin is agreeing with truth. I can't deny or justify my sin. I can't explain why it happened. There is no logic. Sin is insane; to rationalize it only wounds the victims more, confuses the thinker, and makes a fan of modern psychology. Being a sinner (one who sins) is needing Christ.

I love the promises associated with confession on pages 35&36. If I confess God will be faithful and just to forgive.
"...draw up an indictment against yourself and plead guilty, and you shall be sure of mercy."

Auricular...That's another cool word.

Ok, I hope you worship Christ more through reading this. Thanks, friends.

In Christ Alone,

David

For Katie:

"I love you," said Katie.
"And I love you," replied David, as they snuggled as deep in the covers as they are in love. All of David's days are lovely because of his wonderful wife. He doesn't know how gracious God really has been to him by loaning her to him. All of their troubles are kind of worth it, in the right lighting, and together.

Friendship

In a recent sermon series, we have been confronted with the truth that not all relationships are worth having. At least, they should be filed in the appropriate sector for the good of our souls.
My years in college were filled with many relationships, but I'll never forget the relationships I had with the new freshmen who just arrived to TTU's campus.
The campus ministry I was involved in would make every effort to get connected with people early in the year. We would swarm the dorms on move in day just to meet and help out people in hopes to share the good news of Christ with them. We would then proceed to wave bye to their moms and dads and show them around campus. Our tour would always involve a trip to the UC.
On the path from the dorms to the UC there is a belly-button high bush about six foot in length and 3-4 foot wide. The bush is pretty, nice and green, and groomed properly. Every year we would pick the most athletic guy hanging out with us and peer pressure him into jumping the bush. Before you start hurling your stones of judgment at me, let me tell you the bush is jump-able. I've seen several people clear it with no problem. The part that is sooo funny is that not everyone clears the bush.
I left out (as I did when I would challenge the freshmen) the description of the 2 inch needle like thorns the bush had hidden in its clutches. Waiting to claw their way into the freshman's flesh as they were trying to show off their athleticism at their new home. Many guys found the thorns after the landing!
I have to be honest, I did this for the enjoyment of pulling a prank on the new guy. I loved it! I wasn't really a good friend to these guys. I was using them as a selfish form of entertainment. This story is connected to the sermon we heard.
Our pastor made several points about the differences between having friends, counsel, and evangelistic relationships. We as Christians have friends who are Christians (or at least claim to be) in whom we wouldn't confide in. And our relationships should look that way! We should properly confide in older more mature Christians that will help us on our marathon to Jesus. I need to watch out for those who would talk me into "jumping the bushes" without my good in mind. My counsel will point out the thorns when my friends may not even know the thorns exist.
And be sure the strongest warning is against confiding in those who are non-Christian. I think this is the most tempting for those who aren't involved in a strong church. Where the advice of the members is not that different from that of the non-Christian. Sad, huh? I've seen it. People turn to non-Christians for their thoughts and get crazy answers like, "Just follow your heart," or, "Do what you want," or the advice comes through the lifestyle of the person being questioned. Let's be honest...non-Christians have idols like: Self satisfaction, Materialism, and Comfort. Why do you think Oprah and Dr. Phil make so much money? They will tell you what you want to hear so that you will watch their show. DON'T Listen to the LOST over GOD's wise counsel in your life. The result may be worse than the thorns of the freshman bush.

Do you have any thoughts about this subject? Have you proven these truth from experiences on either side?